Verona officials pass 2021 budget with no tax increase, discuss manager position

Verona property owners will not be paying more in real estate taxes as a result of the borough’s 2021 budget.

Council unanimously approved next year’s spending plan and tax ordinance Tuesday night.

“I feel confident in this budget,” Borough Manager Jerry Kenna said. “Everything that was requested by the department heads, the public and the boards has been addressed.”

Projected revenues and expenditures were listed at about $3.15 million. The tax rate remains 7.8 mills.

Income includes about $818,000 in real estate taxes, $369,000 in local services and earned income tax, $65,500 in business licenses and permits, $29,500 in fines and forfeits and $564,700 in intergovernmental revenues.

Expenses include $1.1 million for public works, including $662,000 for paving and related costs; $578,000 for police; about $255,000 in administrative spending, including administrative salaries and borough building operating costs; $112,000 for fire protection; $90,000 for engineering; and $84,500 for legal services.

The borough allocated an additional $10,000 for police training next year, along with additional funds for officer body cameras and surveillance cameras throughout the borough.

“I think what’s in the budget is sufficient,” Councilman Dave Matlin said.

The budget is available for inspection at the borough office, 736 E. Railroad Ave.

Council also approved a search for an interim manager after a near two-hour online discussion with residents and borough officials about the position.

Kenna previously announced his resignation effective Jan. 30. He also pledged to stay on board for a while longer to assist in a transition.

Kenna, 36, of Oakmont collects a borough salary of $48,000, including $12,000 as treasurer/accountant.

Verona’s 2021 budget has $70,000 allocated for a manager and $24,000 for accounting services.

Kenna said the borough has the money for the positions because it has been fiscally frugal, and a lot of its major projects have been paid for with grant money.

Several residents, including Jennifer Marasco, recommended council consider hiring an interim manager, specifically former Pittsburgh City Council president Doug Shields, while it looks for Kenna’s permanent replacement.

“We have a bright future and we need someone who is going to lead us there,” Marasco said.

Matlin, who was in favor of an interim administrator, said it would take two months in the best case scenario, and at worst four months, to find a new permanent manager.

He also cited Oakmont’s hiring of interim managers while it searched for a new manager a few years ago.

Council President Pat McCarthy said hiring an interim manager would delay the process of finding a permanent replacement and “I don’t think that it’s financially feasible.”

Vice president Nancy Carpenter countered McCarthy’s fiscal claim.

“I don’t think it’s going to cost us more,” Carpenter said. “We’re either going to be paying Jerry or we’re either going to be paying somebody else. The borough would be better served by someone who can devote their time just to Verona.”

After more back and forth on the subject, including approval of posting the position, council voted to search for an interim manager. It is accepting resumes through Jan. 20.

The position is expected to be advertised Wednesday.